Importance of Red Blood Cells

What Are Red Blood Cells?

Red blood cells, or erythrocytes, are one of the components of blood. (The others are plasma, platelets and white blood cells.) They are continuously produced in our bone marrow. Just two or three drops of blood can contain about one billion red blood cells – in fact, that’s what gives our blood that distinctive red color.

What Is the Function of Red Blood Cells?

Red blood cells carry oxygen from our lungs to the rest of our bodies. Then they make the return trip, taking carbon dioxide back to our lungs to be exhaled.

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What Does a Low Red Blood Cell Count Mean?

A low red blood cell count, known as anemia, can cause fatigue, shortness of breath, dizziness and other symptoms. If untreated, anemia can lead to serious complications. In many cases, anemia occurs when we don’t eat a nutrient rich diet; choosing foods that are rich in iron and other vitamins and minerals can help raise the red blood cell count. Learn about heme iron and which foods are considered rich in iron. 

Anemia can also be caused by pregnancy and certain medical conditions such as bleeding disorders and kidney disease. Talk to your doctor to determine the best course of treatment.

How Are Red Blood Cells Used in Medicine?

Red blood cells are the most commonly transfused blood component. Patients who benefit most from receiving red blood cells include those with chronic anemia resulting from kidney failure or gastrointestinal bleeding, and those with acute blood loss resulting from trauma. They can also be used to treat blood disorders such as sickle cell disease.

How Are Red Blood Cells Collected?

Red blood cells are prepared from whole blood by removing the plasma (the liquid portion of the blood). Sometimes this is done after a person donates a pint of whole blood, resulting in multiple components (red cells, plasma and platelets) that can be given to different patients. Learn more about the different components that can be obtained from a whole blood donation.  

Other times, it is done during the donation itself, using a process called apheresis. In this case, only the red cells are retained and the patient’s plasma and platelets are returned to them. Some donors say that this leaves them feeling more hydrated than giving a whole blood donation.

Red cells have a shelf life of up to 42 days, depending on the type of anticoagulant used when they are stored. They can also be treated and frozen for 10 years or more.

Why Donations Are So Important

Recent studies show that there is a need for blood transfusions every 2 seconds, all of which must be collected from volunteer donors. One powerful way to help is to donate what the Red Cross calls “Power Red.” By donating Power Red, you double your impact by contributing two units of red blood cells in just one donation.

Learn More About Blood Components

Platelets

Plasma

Red Blood Cells

Cryoprecipitate

Whole Blood

Hematocrit

White Blood Cells

Donate Power Red and help trauma patients, surgery patients, people with sickle cell anemia, and others.  

What it is, levels, high and low range

Hematocrit is the percentage of red blood cells in a person’s blood. A typical hematocrit range in healthy adults is 37–52%. This varies depending on a person’s sex and age.

Authors of a 2017 study identified the above typical range.

Low red blood cell levels indicate conditions such as anemia. High red blood cell levels could signal polycythemia, increasing a person’s chance of developing a blood clot.

If a person feels tired, dizzy, or short of breath, a doctor may want to test their hematocrit levels to see if those levels fall into a normal range or not.

Read on to learn more about what this measure of red blood cell volume means, symptoms of abnormal levels, and what low and high levels might indicate.

Hematocrit measures the percentage of red blood cells in the body. For example: if a person has 50 milliliters (ml) of red blood cells in 100 ml of blood, their hematocrit level is 50%.

Red blood cells transport oxygen around the body and give blood its characteristic red color. In addition to oxygen, they also contain hemoglobin, a protein that binds to oxygen molecules. This allows red blood cells to pick up oxygen from the lungs and deliver it throughout the body.

An adequate amount of red blood cells is essential to keep the body’s processes running smoothly.

Many conditions can affect red blood cell production or its life cycle. This can make it difficult for a medical professional to diagnose these conditions. A doctor will use a hematocrit test to confirm whether a person’s red blood cell count is affecting a health condition.

Doctors usually test hematocrit levels as part of a complete blood count (CBC).

A CBC is composed of a range of tests and may include:

• red blood cell count
• reticulocyte count (young red blood cells)
• an analysis of hemoglobin levels
• an analysis of red blood cells, including size and shape
• white blood cell tests
• platelet tests

A doctor will also consider a person’s sex, race, and age. It is important to note that certain blood-related conditions, such as sickle-cell anemia, affect particular demographic groups at higher rates.

Learn more about sickle cell anemia in African Americans here.

A doctor may request frequent hematocrit tests to monitor the effect of chemotherapy on a person’s bone marrow.

Both high and low hematocrit levels can be detrimental to a person’s health and result from various conditions and lifestyle factors.

What are normal hematocrit levels?

Different institutions will define normal hematocrit levels differently. However, a 2017 cross-population study found the following ranges to be typical.

• Male: 42-52%
• Female: 37-47%
• Children: 30–44%, depending on their age and sex

Newborn babies have high hematocrit levels that gradually decrease as they get older.

If a person has recently received a blood transfusion, it may affect their results. Additionally, pregnant individuals may have lower levels than usual because the body increases its blood volume during pregnancy.

Other factors, such as smoking and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), may push levels into a higher range.

Low levels

A hematocrit level below 35% in women and 41% in men is low. A level under this value can signify chronic anemia.

High levels

Hematocrit levels above the typical ranges can have adverse effects. It may indicate serious underlying health conditions.

Accuracy of results

Results from hematocrit tests are typically accurate and provide a clear reading of a person’s red blood cell levels.

However, the percentage of red blood cells in someone’s blood can change depending on various lifestyle factors and even environmental changes. According to research, red blood cell counts tend to increase at high altitudes.

Exercise, particularly strength training, may also affect hematocrit levels. A 2018 study found that females who participated in 16 weeks of strength exercise had lower levels at the end than when they started. However, the study had a small sample size of 26 middle-aged, sedentary Turkish women. This means that these findings aren’t necessarily representative of a wider population.

Dehydration can also raise hematocrit levels, so this test is useful if a doctor suspects severe dehydration is the cause of a person’s symptoms.

When a person has low hematocrit levels, they tend to present with the following symptoms:

• pale complexion
• weakness
• fatigue
• low energy
• trouble breathing
• irregular heartbeat
• cold hands or feet

These symptoms also indicate anemia, a condition where hemoglobin levels are lower than normal. Hemoglobin is a protein found in red blood cells that carries oxygen around the body.

Mild anemia is treatable, and it is particularly common in women. Severe anemia could signal a more serious underlying health condition that requires more extensive treatment.

Doctors associate anemia with several health conditions, including:

Nutrient deficiency

A person may lack B12, folate, or iron in their diet.

Learn more about how nutrient deficiency anemia is diagnosed and treated.

Chronic bleeding

This commonly occurs due to digestive tract ulcers, which are sores caused by the bacteria H.pylori or chronic use of anti-inflammatory medications such as ibuprofen, other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), and aspirin. Many women also experience excessive blood loss from heavy menstrual bleeding.

Bone marrow disorder

This includes aplastic anemia, which damages stem cells in bone marrow.

Cancer

These cancers spread to bone marrow, such as leukemia and lymphoma.

Learn more about bone marrow cancers here.

Kidney failure

Kidney disease can lower the production of red blood cells, reducing hematocrit levels.

Thalassemia

When a person has this condition, their body does not produce enough hemoglobin.

Learn more about thalassemia here.

Sickle cell anemia

This condition changes the shape of red blood cells. These cells die earlier than normal, and they also clump together, which impairs blood flow.

Learn more about sickle cell anemia here.

Autoimmune disease

Conditions like rheumatoid arthritis and lupus may reduce red blood cell count.

Learn more about autoimmune diseases here.

When a person has high hematocrit levels, they tend to present with these symptoms:

• flushed skin
• dizziness
• vision problems
• headaches
• enlarged spleen

These symptoms signal polycythemia, a condition where the body produces too many red blood cells. This means blood is thicker and clots more easily.

Doctors cannot cure polycythemia, so treatment focuses on symptom management. The main goal is to avoid stroke and deep vein thrombosis (DVT), which is a blood clot usually occurring in a deep vein in the leg.

In some cases, dehydration causes polycythemia. When a person does not drink enough, their plasma levels drop, increasing the proportion of red blood cells in their blood volume. A person can lower their red blood cell count by rehydrating.

Some conditions that can cause high hematocrit levels include:

Lung or pulmonary disease

When the lungs cannot absorb oxygen effectively, and oxygen levels drop, the body compensates by making more red blood cells. One common pulmonary disease causing this is COPD.

Learn more about COPD here.

Heart disease

If the structure of a person’s heart reduces its ability to pump blood around the body, it can no longer sustain vital organs with oxygen. To try and overcome the oxygen deficit, the body produces more red blood cells.

Learn more about heart disease here.

Kidney cancer

Sometimes kidney cancer cells create more erythropoietin. Erythropoietin is a hormone that tells the bone marrow to create more red blood cells.

Learn more about kidney cancer here.

Genetic disease

The JAK2 gene, which controls the number of blood cells made in the bone marrow, can affect certain conditions. When someone has a mutated JAK2 gene, the body could make a protein that signals the bone marrow to create more red blood cells than it needs.

Learn more about genetic disorders here.

A person should speak with a doctor if they are experiencing any of the symptoms listed above that could be a sign of high or low hematocrit levels, including fatigue, weakness, vision problems, and dizziness.

These symptoms can also indicate an underlying condition, so a person must contact a doctor promptly to prevent future complications.

If a person is receiving chemotherapy treatment, a doctor should perform regular hematocrit tests to monitor bone marrow health.

Hematocrit is the percentage of blood cells in a person’s blood volume. A doctor may test an individual’s hematocrit level due to certain symptoms.

A low hematocrit level means there are too few red blood cells in the body. In these cases, a person may experience symptoms that signal anemia. Common symptoms include fatigue, weakness, and low energy.

If a person has too many red blood cells, they have a high hematocrit level. A person may experience dizziness and headaches, which can be a sign of the condition polycythemia.

Demographic and lifestyle factors can influence a person’s hematocrit levels. For example, males tend to have higher levels than females. Pregnant individuals can experience a decrease in hematocrit levels, and strength training may also reduce levels.

There are also several health conditions that can cause hematocrit levels outside the normal range. Excessive bleeding, thalassemia, and kidney disease are causes of low levels. COPD and sickle cell anemia can cause high levels.

Read this article in Spanish.

“Hematocrit below normal – what does it mean in an adult?” — Yandex Q

In this article we consider what to do if the hematocrit is below normal, what does this mean in an adult?

Determination of the hematocrit value is included in the extended complete blood count. The criterion allows you to evaluate the work of the hematopoietic system. The functioning of other organs directly depends on its full functional activity, since it is erythrocytes that deliver oxygen to organs and tissues.

A decrease in hematocrit may occur without the manifestation of pronounced clinical symptoms. A person can attribute increased fatigue to high workload and lack of time for rest. However, a decrease in hematocrit is one of the first symptoms of anemia that requires treatment. The article also addresses the issue of the danger of a long-term decrease in hematocrit.

Contents

• 1 What does hematocrit show?

• 2 Hematocrit is below normal – what does it mean?

• 3 Causes of Decreased Hematocrit in Adults

• 4 Is low hematocrit dangerous?

• 5 Methods for increasing hematocrit

What does hematocrit show?

The value reflects the volume of the liquid part of the blood, which in the bloodstream contains formed elements (erythrocytes, leukocytes, platelets). The hematocrit value is measured as a percentage. So, if the analysis indicates that the hematocrit is 40%, this means that 40% of red blood cells, platelets, etc. are present in 100 ml of blood.

Low blood hematocrit is observed in patients with a low number of red blood cells in the bloodstream. The indicator also takes into account the size of blood cells. Their decrease is naturally reflected in the results of the analysis.

Measurement of hematocrit is useful in the diagnosis of anemia and hyperproteinemia, as well as in assessing the effectiveness of the selected treatment methods. The test is performed on patients with dehydration to assess the severity of their condition. Included in the list of obligatory determinable indicators for people who are scheduled for blood transfusion, and for pregnant women.

Main article: What is hematocrit, why is it needed and what are its norms?

Hematocrit is below normal – what does it mean?

A low hematocrit in an adult indicates a decrease in the number of red blood cells in the blood. In this case, the doctor will prescribe additional laboratory tests and instrumental diagnostic methods. Among the laboratory parameters, it is important to determine: the level of iron and ferritin, as well as to evaluate the biochemical parameters of the blood. Of the instrumental methods, it is preferable to conduct an ultrasound examination of the digestive organs, liver and small pelvis. Based on the results of a comprehensive examination and the collected history of the patient, the doctor determines the cause of the low hematocrit.

It should be borne in mind that if a woman gave biomaterial for analysis during menstruation, then the hematocrit is below normal – this is a standard phenomenon. During this period, a woman loses a certain amount of blood, which means that the level of red blood cells is somewhat reduced.

It is important to follow the rules of patient preparation, as well as the collection and transport of biomaterial. During venipuncture, destruction of red blood cells in vitro (hemolysis) can occur. For example, due to strong or prolonged squeezing of the site of taking the biomaterial with a tourniquet or at the wrong temperature for storing the collected blood. The obtained indications cannot be considered reliable, and the patient will definitely need to re-take the biomaterial.

Causes of Decreased Hematocrit in Adults

Only the attending physician after a complete diagnosis can determine the exact cause in each specific case. Consider the main causes of low hematocrit in adults.

Anemia (anemia) describes a group of similar syndromes, united on the basis of a total decrease in the level of hemoglobin and the number of red blood cells. It should be noted that the isolated term “anemia”, without clarifying explanations, does not describe a specific disease. In this case, it is only a separate symptom of a disease.

The decrease in the number of erythrocytes is mainly accompanied by changes in their qualitative composition. Which leads to a deterioration in respiratory activity and the gradual development of oxygen starvation of the tissues of all organs. The main symptoms of anemia are:

• pale skin;
• increased weakness and fatigue;
• desire to eat chalk, earth, raw meat;
• hair loss, brittle nails, dry skin;
• decreased memory and performance;
• bluish or yellowish sclera;
• earthy skin tone;
• persistent drowsiness;
• frequent headaches and dizziness;
• shortness of breath even with little physical activity;
• tachycardia.

The main causes of anemia

There are many known mechanisms for the development of anemia. Consider the main ones:

• Malfunctions in the process of synthesis of red blood cells and hemoglobin due to lack of iron and vitamins B 9 in the human bodyand 12, as well as for pathologies of the red bone marrow.
• Deficiency of red blood cells due to large blood loss, for example, in serious injuries or during surgery. A similar condition occurs in people with chronic bleeding (hemorrhoidal bleeding, intercycle blood loss in women, etc.). The main mechanism is a decrease in the concentration of iron, and not a decrease in the number of red blood cells.
• Mechanism of enhanced destruction of blood cells. The average lifespan of red blood cells is 4 months. With the manifestation of pathologies affecting the hematopoietic system, blood cells begin to degrade at an accelerated rate. The decay process is also influenced by external factors, for example, the use of vinegar in large quantities.

The prognosis of the outcome of iron deficiency anemia is extremely favorable. The condition is stopped by taking iron and vitamins. The outcome of other forms of anemia depends on their severity.

Fluid in the body

The hematocrit is also reduced with an increased fluid content in the body of an adult. This condition is not associated with excessive fluid intake, but with its retention in the body. Causes: kidney pathology, viral or bacterial infection. There is an increase in blood plasma volumes, while the number of red blood cells does not increase. This naturally leads to a decrease in the hematocrit value.

Hyperproteinemia and nutrition

Another reason is hyperproteinemia. Pathology is characterized by an excess content of proteins in the bloodstream. It occurs due to a violation of the normal functioning of the liver. Proteins begin to “attract” an excess amount of water, while the number of red blood cells does not increase. Thus, their percentage with blood plasma decreases.

In adult patients, the hematocrit is also reduced with a sharp change in diet, prolonged fasting and blood loss.

Pregnancy

During pregnancy, especially in the second trimester, a decrease in the value in question is considered normal. In women, the level of plasma volume increases, and red blood cells are not synthesized at an accelerated pace. Thus, the percentage of plasma-erythrocytes is shifted towards a decrease in the latter. The decrease in hematocrit value begins from the fourth week, reaching a peak by 31-35 weeks.

However, a long-term decrease in the index should not be ignored, it is necessary to conduct additional diagnostics in order to exclude the possible development of pathological conditions. Thus, a decrease in hematocrit up to 30% can cause the development of intrauterine fetal hypoxia, impaired fetoplacental circulation, fetal growth retardation, etc. An indicator of 15 to 25% indicates the need for immediate hospitalization of a pregnant woman, followed by continuous monitoring.

Other reasons

Also, low hematocrit in adults can be observed with:

• lead intoxication;
• splenomegaly;
• leukemias;
• conditions after chemotherapy;
• acute infectious processes;
• severe intoxications.

Is low hematocrit dangerous?

The main function of red blood cells is the sufficient supply of cells and tissues with molecular oxygen. With their decrease, there is an insufficient supply of oxygen to the organs. This has a particularly negative effect on the functional activity of the brain. A person has a decrease in concentration, memory and mental activity.

Adults with a low hematocrit are more susceptible to infectious diseases, are unable to function fully, get tired more quickly and lose concentration. In the future, a lack of red blood cells can lead to the development of pathologies of the cardiovascular system, liver and kidneys.

Methods for increasing hematocrit

Do not try to increase the level of red blood cells on your own. The necessary treatment will be selected by a specialist based on the results of laboratory and instrumental studies. In case of prolonged starvation or dehydration, it is necessary to restore the normal diet and the amount of fluid consumed per day. In this case, the patient can do without drug therapy. It is also important to establish a daily routine and plan enough time for rest and walks in the fresh air.

If there is a shortage of iron or other elements, the doctor will select the necessary drugs, their dosage and determine the duration of their course. You should not interrupt the course of treatment yourself, even if the symptoms of anemia no longer bother you. Iron-rich foods should be included in the diet. For example, beef liver, seafood, lentils, red meat, nuts and pomegranate.

The use of alternative methods of treatment without prior agreement with the doctor is unacceptable. It should be emphasized that these methods cannot be a sufficient alternative to the methods of official medicine. They can only complement the treatment, provided that the selected components do not block the action of the medicinal components.

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What do your CBC values ​​tell you? (continued3)

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WE continue to acquaint our readers with the diagnostic value of clinical blood tests – and in the previous article we have already discussed such of them as erythrocytes and hemoglobin.

What other indicators are used along with those indicated to monitor the state of both the blood itself and the body as a whole? Traditionally, we address our question to the head of the clinical diagnostic laboratory of the Floris Medical Center LARISA ROGULSKAYA.

– One such indicator is hematocrit. This indicator reflects the volume fraction (%), which is erythrocytes from the total blood volume. Like any other laboratory value, hematocrit must be evaluated in conjunction with other indicators. An incorrect assessment threatens with an erroneous opinion about the patient’s state of health. For example, in a patient in shock, the hematocrit may be normal due to blood clots, but the red blood cell count may be reduced due to blood loss. Therefore, immediately after bleeding or blood transfusion, the hematocrit value is not indicative of the degree of anemia. But such difficulties with interpretation do not at all detract from the value of the hematocrit value in the clinic. Normally, this figure in adult women is 35-47%, in adult men – 39-50%. An increase in the hematocrit value is noted in some malignant blood diseases, it can be observed in congenital heart defects, respiratory failure, some tumors and polycystic kidney disease. Abnormally elevated hematocrit often occurs with burn disease, peritonitis, dehydration of the body as a result of severe diarrhea or vomiting, sometimes with diabetes.

Decreased hematocrit, a common sign of anemia, may occur with uncontrolled intravenous drip infusions.

One of the most important indicators of a clinical blood test related to erythrocytes is the ESR (erythrocyte sedimentation rate). This is an indicator of the rate of separation of blood mixed with a reagent that prevents its coagulation in a thin glass capillary into two layers: a transparent top (blood plasma) and a red-colored bottom (erythrocytes and other blood cells). In fact, how many millimeters the erythrocytes settle within an hour, this will be the ESR indicator.

In healthy adult males, the ESR is 1-10 mm/hour, in some up to 15, and in men over 50 it can be up to 20 mm/hour. Healthy adult women have 215 mm/hour, some have up to 20, and women over 50 may have up to 30 mm/hour. Determination of ESR is a mandatory component of a clinical blood test, performed to detect inflammation of a different nature, and also makes it possible to suspect a tumor process with a high degree of probability, in which the indicator is characterized by consistently high numbers. ESR values ​​also increase in case of poisoning, acute and chronic infections, including pneumonia, osteomyelitis, tuberculosis, myocardial infarction, joint diseases of various origins, injuries and fractures, conditions after operations, anemia, kidney diseases, as well as when taking certain medications. . A decrease in ESR values ​​(approaching zero) may indicate a dangerous malignant blood disease.